Iran says the success of nuclear talks hinge on one thing: “Zero enrichment can never be accepted by us”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi just dropped the hammer, making it crystal clear what the success of nuclear negotiations with the United States depends on: the recognition of Iran’s right to enrich uranium. Araqchi was clear about the country’s position, “Zero enrichment can never be accepted by us. Hence, we need to focus on discussions that accept enrichment inside Iran while building trust that enrichment is and will stay for peaceful purposes.” 

This insistence on maintaining enrichment capabilities isn’t just about technical know-how or economic benefit either. The minister stated that the motivation is much deeper, saying Iran’s position “is rooted in a desire for independence and dignity.” He believes no outside power has the authority to dictate what the Iranian nation should or shouldn’t possess. According to Reuters, this major sticking point that has led to the failure of five rounds of discussions thus far.

The U.S. and Iranian diplomats held indirect talks recently in Oman, trying hard to revive diplomacy. This latest push comes amid serious geopolitical tension, including the U.S. increasing its naval presence near Iran. Tehran has also promised a harsh response if it faces any attacks, striking back firmly when one of its drones, engaged in standard operations, was shot down by US forces. 

Neither has budged on this issue so far

The U.S. views this enrichment activity as a potential pathway to developing nuclear weapons, even going so far as to attack Iranian nuclear facilities right after a twelve-day bombing campaign by Israel. Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful energy purposes. Following those incidents, Iran announced it had temporarily halted its enrichment activities.

While Iran is drawing a hard line on the right to enrich, they aren’t completely slamming the door on negotiations. A regional diplomat, who was briefed by Tehran, indicated that Iran is actually open to discussing the specifics. They are willing to talk about the “level and purity” of the enrichment process, which is a key technical detail. They also want sanctions relief and military de-escalation as part of any potential deal.

However, if the U.S. contingent wants to expand the discussion, they’re going to hit another wall. Araqchi firmly stated that Iran’s missile program is absolutely off the table. Despite the ongoing difficulty, President Masoud Pezeshkian called the recent talks a “step forward.” He posted on Sunday that Tehran simply wants its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to be fully respected. 

The date and location of the next round of talks will be decided in consultation with Oman, and it might not even take place in Muscat. It seems we’re back to waiting for the diplomats to hammer out the details, but at least we know exactly what Iran requires to keep the process moving.